DIY Dishwasher Safe Tissue Paper Coffee Mugs Kids Craft Tutorial

Looking for a fun and simple DIY craft to do with the kids? This is definitely it! These dishwasher safe tissue paper decorated coffee mugs are super fun to make, and make a great handmade gift!

My son made a fun geometric design on his ceramic coffee mug, using small pieces of cut tissue paper in multiple colors. I love how it turned out - it reminds me of stained glass! My daughter made a quote mug using permanent markers and torn tissue paper (a simple added step makes the permanent pen dishwasher safe as well). Super cute and inspirational!

This kids craft is great for kids aged 5+, with adult supervision. Check out our simple supply list and quick tutorial below.

Optional: If using permanent markers to draw/write on the surface of your mug, do so prior to adding your tissue paper. Once complete. Set the mug on a baking sheet in preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the mug to cool completely before moving on to the next step.

Plan your design and rip or cut your tissue paper to prepare it to be applied the surface of your mug.

Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge (Dishwasher Safe) on the surface area of your ceramic mug, using your sponge brush.

Begin carefully laying your cut / torn pieces of tissue paper over the area that has been coated with Mod Podge (Dishwasher Safe). Repeat this step until you've completed your desired design / pattern. Allow to dry (refer to directions on the back of the Mod Podge bottle for dry times).

When adequate drying time has passed, carefully paint a second thin layer of Mod Podge over the surface of your mug/tissue paper design. I recommend repeating this step for a total of 3 coats.

Optional: If you've added a quote or design to the surface of your mug using permanent pens, make sure you're covering the marker design as well when you're painting on your coats of Mod Podge. The dishwasher safe Mod Podge will seal your design/lettering/quote, and make it dishwasher safe as well. {Note: DO NOT SKIP the first step of baking/setting the permanent marker. If you attempt to apply the dishwasher safe Mod Podge to the marker before you've set it in the oven it will simply cause your design/lettering to run - so make sure to set it in the oven first!}.

The directions on the dishwasher safe version of Mod Podge recommend that you allow your mug to "air cure" for 10 days before use. Once your mug has "air cured" it's top rack dishwasher safe.